Is Repeat Pulmonary Metastasectomy Indicated for Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Because recurrence is high after pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) for soft tissue sarcoma (STS), repeat PM is commonly performed. Our objective was to define the selection criteria for repeat PM among patients experiencing recurrence and to identify factors associated with survival.

We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of 539 patients undergoing PM for STS. Characteristics of the primary tumor, metastatic disease, treatment, and recurrence were examined. Multivariable Cox models were constructed to identify factors associated with the likelihood of operative selection after recurrence. Overall survival between patients with or without repeat PM was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with prognostic factors identified using Cox models. Both analyses incorporated propensity score-matching weights. Factors associated with survival after repeat PM were assessed with multivariable Cox models among patients who underwent repeat PM.

After initial PM, 63% of patients (n = 341) experienced pulmonary recurrence; 141 (41%) underwent repeat PM. Patients who were younger (p = 0.033) underwent minimally invasive resection at first PM (p = 0.041), had a longer disease-free interval after first PM (p = 0.009), were without extrapulmonary disease (p < 0.001), and had fewer nodules on recurrence (p < 0.001) were more likely to undergo repeat PM. Comparison between the repeat and non-repeat PM groups demonstrated an increased hazard of death among patients managed nonoperatively. Factors associated with an increased hazard of death after second PM included preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.008) and R1/R2 metastasectomy (p < 0.001).

Although operative selection occurs, when prognostic factors are controlled for, repeat PM for STS remains independently associated with prolonged overall survival.